Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: We are not touched by negativity

Bouncing back: Wenger reacts on the bench as Arsenal let their three goal lead slip against Anderlecht

Arsene Wenger today insisted Arsenal have not been affected by all the negativity surrounding the club.

Wenger went on the defensive following stinging criticism in the wake of the Gunners’ Champions League collapse against Anderlecht at Emirates on Tuesday night.

The Arsenal manager, who was branded “tactically clueless” by former Gunner Paul Merson, says he is not surprised by the level of criticism he has received after the Gunners let a three-goal lead slip against the Belgian champions.

But Wenger says negativity from fans and pundits has not spilled into the dressing room and insists his side can still win the Premier League title.

“Inside the camp we are very positive,” he said. “When we do not win, we are not happy. The rest, we can live with. We are not touched by that [the negativity].”

When asked whether he was surprised by the level of criticism, Wenger replied: “No. If you are 3-0 up and get back to 3-3, you always get the same. I have managed 2,000 games and can anticipate what people will say.

“You always get taught lessons from people after the game but before the game, our only target is to win.”

Wenger also launched an attack on UEFA’s fifth officials. Anderlecht’s first goal on Tuesday was clearly offside and Wenger said: “I do not know what the guys behind the line are paid for. That is a general feeling shared by everyone who watches football.

“They should buy a seat for them and give them a good book.”

Meanwhile, Wenger is happy for Theo Walcott to play a full part in both England matches during the forthcoming international period after the Arsenal forward was called up to Roy Hodgson’s squad for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia and the subsequent friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park.

Walcott has played only 10 minutes of football since returning from 10 months out with a serious knee injury but Wenger says he is fit to start against Swansea at Liberty Stadium on Sunday.

Arsenal v Anderlecht: Player Ratings

Arsenal v Anderlecht: Player Ratings

1/12
Woijech Szczesny: 6

On his return from Champions League suspension Szczesny had to be alert early on to keep the visitors out but to be fair to him there wasn’t a great deal he could do about any of their three late goals.

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2/12
Calum Chambers: 6

A quiet game for Chambers this evening – didn’t make any huge personal errors during the Anderlecht comeback but didn’t stamp his authority on the game either.

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3/12
Per Mertesacker: 5

Faced with the unenviable task of playing alongside Monreal, Mertesacker unsurprisingly looks rather unstable at the moment - will be disappointed he was beaten in the air for the equalising goal.

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4/12
Nacho Monreal: 3

In fairness to the Spaniard, he’s playing out of position - but that doesn’t change the fact he looks absolutely horrendous – surely there has to be someone else who can do a better job than him - isn’t Steve Bould still around?

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5/12
Kieran Gibbs: 7

Once Laurent Koscielny returns, Monreal should not get a place back in the Arsenal side because this young Englishman is in fine form. Solid defensively and a real asset going forward – he should be ahead of Luke Shaw in the England pecking order.

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6/12
Mikel Arteta: 6

Took his penalty calmly and passed the ball well but doesn’t offer his defence the sort of protection required from his position at the top level.

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7/12
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 8

With his injury woes appearing to be behind him, the 21-year-old is putting together a fine run of form – his goal and general play tonight showed why he must start on a regular basis.

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8/12
Aaron Ramsey: 6

Not quite back to his best following injury but had some nice moments as Arsenal dominated the middle part of the game.

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9/12
Alexis Sanchez: 8

Looks a better signing with every passing game – wonderful technical ability combined with terrier-like enthusiasm makes the Chilean near unplayable at times – he scored a stunning volley to give Arsenal a 2-0 lead.

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10/12
Santi Cazorla: 6

Can’t help but feel he’s at the bottom of the pecking order when it comes to Arsenal’s riches in attacking midfield – not bad but not as impressive as his rivals for his place in the side.

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11/12
Danny Welbeck: 7

The goals have dried up a little for Welbeck but he is doing a fine job for the team and showed his worth as he won a penalty this evening.

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12/12
Mathieu Flamini: 5

Brought on for Arteta with half-an-hour to go and Arsenal cruising to victory, it would be hard to argue he had a positive impact. Not the answer to the Gunners’ weakness at the base of their midfield.

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“Roy Hodgson is free to do what he wants,” said Wenger.

“He has been chosen by England and he needs competition.

“He has been out of action for 10 months — I do not know if you realise how long that is.

“People think it is like mechanics. They are not machines, they are human beings and to get back into the rhythm of the top will take time.”